9 is a stretch, sure. But 7-8 assists per game when you don't look to shoot isn't that difficult when you're playing 30-35min. There are PG's in the league that average 20ppg (or roughly) and still get 6apg. Take 3-4 less shots and what do you get....a couple more assists. Especially when you dribble the ball for 20sec every posession.